Here's our story (Me and Dad ❤)

2019 was a great year with dad doing so many things together. It was a gift that he moved in with us. We went out for dinner, went to Ice Dogs games, sat court side at Raptors 905 game, he'd come to see us play at the Irish Harp every Sunday with my brother Johnny, sat outside and visited with neighbours, watched so many old shows together and just so much more. I'm so grateful for every moment. 

When covid hit things stopped obviously. But we still got out, for walks and were having fun. Dad started struggling to walk in mid-April 2020. He was diagnosed with a Baker's Cyst in May. But he got worse. The summer was rough. He struggled to get around at the trailer and was growing increasingly frustrated. By mid-August he was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour that was affecting his ability to walk. It was determined that surgery nor radiation were good options for dad. And he was pretty much become paralyzed on one side as a result. 

If Alzheimer's wasn't already bad enough - this was like getting completely kicked while you're down. It's been tough. 

Dad passed away surrounded by his family Dec 11th, 2020. His favourite song "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Barry came on the radio and that was it. It's hard to believe he's gone. He was larger than life and we miss him so much - every day.

I had no idea how much the Alzheimer's Society would become a part of my life. Certainly didn't want it to but they have. I have accessed the resources available from the Alzheimer's Society of Niagara. Their support has been unbelievable to my family. They have dealt with my crying phone calls and confused emails with the most care and compassion. Their staff have supported our family as we try to do what's best for dad. Without their support we would not known how to navigate the ins and outs of the LHIN or how to answer some of the many questions we had when dad first moved in.

Please support this wonderful organization. The work they do is imperative to families and those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's.

I started a blog because I really feel like this is quite an adventure we are on. If you want to know what it was like to live with a person with Alzheimer's check it out. 

http://livingwithdad.weebly.com/  

For more information on the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s or to register for a Walk nearest you, please visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca. 

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